Country Overview

Uganda is a small country in East Africa that has been torn apart by civil war for over 20 years. Conflict in the northern parts of the country continues to generate reports of abuses by the rebel Lord's Resistance Army.

The Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), is a Christian sectarian guerrilla army operating mainly in northern Uganda and parts of Sudan. It is designated a terrorist organization by The United States Department of State.

The LRA was formed in 1987 and is engaged in an armed rebellion against the Ugandan government in what is now one of Africa's longest-running conflicts. It is led by Joseph Kony, who proclaims himself the "spokesperson" of God and a spirit medium, primarily of the Holy Spirit, which the Acholi believe can represent itself in many manifestations. The group claims to be establishing a theocratic state based on the Ten Commandments and Acholi tradition. The LRA is accused of widespread human rights violations, including murder, abduction, mutilation, sexual enslavement of women and children, and forcing children to participate in hostilities.

This conflict over the past 20 years has kept the people of northern Uganda in a state of fear and insecurity. Throughout the years of conflict, over 1 million Ugandans have been driven from their homes.

GRI's Work in Uganda

GRI’s initial work in Uganda began with resettlement and feeding programs in 2005. Since that time GRI’s Northern Uganda Health Initiative has expanded to include various facets of care. Currently, GRI has numerous programs seeking to provide physical, emotional and spiritual care to victims of this war while educating and empowering people for lasting change.